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Pelvic Pain

What is pelvic pain?

Although pelvic pain often refers to pain in the region of women's internal reproductive organs, pelvic pain can be present in either sex and can stem from other causes. Pelvic pain might be a symptom of infection or might arise from pain in the pelvis bone or in non-reproductive internal organs. In women, however, pelvic pain can very well be an indication that there might be a problem with one of the reproductive organs in the pelvic area (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina).

What are the symptoms related to pelvic pain?

Many symptoms are related to pelvic pain. Some of these symptoms include:

Menstrual cramps

Menstrual pain

Vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge

Painful or difficult urination

Constipation or diarrhea

Bloating or gas

Blood seen with a bowel movement

Pain during intercourse

Fever or chills

Pain in the hip area

Pain in the groin area

What are the causes of pelvic pain?

Possible causes of pelvic pain in both men and women include:

Appendicitis

Bladder disorders (such as urinary tract infections)

Sexually transmitted diseases

Kidney infection or kidney stones

Intestinal disorders (such as diverticulitis or colitis)

Nerve conditions (such as pinched nerves of the spine)

Hernia

Pelvis disorders (such as tightness and spasm of pelvic muscles)

Broken pelvic bones

Psychogenic pain (pain related to stress or psychological traumas from the past)

Possible causes of pelvic pain in women only include:

Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy

Miscarriage

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Ovulation

Menstrual cramps

Ovarian cysts or other ovarian disorders

Fibroids

Endometriosis

Cancer (cervix, uterus, or ovaries)

How is pelvic pain diagnosed?

When diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain, the doctor will review the symptoms and medical history of the patient. A physical exam and/or other tests might also help in diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain. The specific testing performed will depend on the discussions with your doctor as well as your examination. Some diagnostic tools might include:

Blood and urine tests

Pregnancy tests in females of reproductive age

Vaginal or penile cultures to check for sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia

Abdominal and pelvic X-rays

Diagnostic laparoscopy (procedure allowing a direct look at the structures in the pelvis and abdomen)

Hysteroscopy (procedure to examine the uterus)

Stool guaiac test (checking of a stool sample for presence of microscopic blood)

Lower endoscopy such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (insertion of a lighted tube to examine the inside of the rectum and part or all of the colon)

CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis (scan that uses X-rays and computers to produce cross-sectional images of the body)

How is pelvic pain treated?

The treatment of pelvic pain varies by what the cause is, how intense the pain is, and how often the pain occurs. Sometimes pelvic pain is treated with medicines, including antibiotics, if necessary. If the pain results from a problem with one of the pelvic organs, the treatment might involve surgery or other procedures. Physical therapy can be helpful in some cases. Also, because living with chronic pelvic pain can be stressful and upsetting, studies have shown benefit to working with a trained counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist in many cases. A doctor can provide more information about various treatments for pelvic pain.

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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 12/5/2014...#12106